A Relationship with God: The Title of 'Abba Father'
6/26/20254 min read
If . . .
God were sitting beside you all day (at home; in your office; at the gym; in the grocery store; etc.), passing each moment together, with you, alone with you, what would be your demeanor and conversation? The God of the universe, who created everything, sitting with you, listening intently . . . what do you say? Recited (repetitious, even stale) prayers? Maybe pleas, confessions, common requests? Of course you would, and, I'm guessing, with a great deal of enthusiasm. Let's take it a step further. At some point, post formalities if you will, I'm willing to speculate that you would talk with him (hey, He's sitting with you ALL DAY!!!). In fact, you would likely offer things, as you would a beloved friend or relative: Cook your best, most favorite meal. Show Him your favorite spot in town. Introduce Him to friends. A hike in the best park. Coffee house. Boat ride. Amusement park excursion. The zoo. You name it, everything you might want to (offer) share: your friends, relatives, places . . . stuff!! And speaking of "stuff" this is the "stuff" of a relationship.
And do you think He might care? I humbly, maybe even forcefully, certainly kindly, submit to you that He indeed would care, about you, about who and what you love.
Did . . .
You know that the Bible, the Word of God, tells us that His children are prompted to call out "Abba Father?" What does that word mean, Abba? in the original Greek language (New Testament writing) that word is Ἀββά, which quite literally is translated "Papa" or "Daddy." Did you know that? It's true (Galatians 4:6). The phrase 'Abba Father' conveys a deep sense of belonging and love. Originating from the Aramaic language, 'Abba' translates to 'father' but carries with it a nuance of endearment and closeness, akin to 'daddy.' This tender expression of relationship invites believers into a deeper understanding of how God perceives us. The idea that God sees us not merely as servants but as beloved children changes the way we approach Him.
How . . .
Can this relationship be established, nurtured, enjoyed? By working hard, being a good person? In a world driven by performance, achievement, yielded recognition and promotion, must we earn His favor, gain merit in his eyes? In other words, by our own efforts, don't we "work our way to heaven" by being a good person?
The answer is a resounding "no". You can, by merit, status, or personal achievements, no sooner earn your way into God's perfect kingdom than you can fly across the street by flapping your arms. It is useless. How then? By Grace. The concept of grace offers a refreshing perspective on our relationship with God. Central to this idea is the term 'Abba Father,' a phrase that embodies the intimate connection we are extended by our Creator. It signifies that this relationship is not something we earn through our deeds; rather, it is a precious gift.
It is . . .
Essential to recognize that this relationship with God, characterized by calling Him 'Abba Father,' is fundamentally rooted in grace, through faith. We do not need to fervently strive for approval or struggle to achieve a certain level of divinely approved religiosity to be accepted. God’s love is not conditional based on our actions. Instead, it is a radical expression of grace that invites us to come as we are. This liberating realization enables us to engage in a more authentic dialogue with Him, free from the fear of inadequacy or failure.
When we embrace our identity as children of God, we begin to understand the implications of living under His grace. This relationship cultivates an environment where we can flourish spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Through prayer, scripture, and community, with His help and presence, we can deepen our relationship with our 'Abba Father,' nurturing an understanding that enriches our daily lives.
The gift of being able to refer to God as 'Abba Father' is a profound invitation into a relationship marked by love, acceptance, and grace. It encourages us to move beyond a transactional understanding of faith and towards one that is relational. As we navigate our lives, acknowledge that this connection with God, rooted in grace and faith, is not something we earn; it is simply a precious gift waiting for us to accept. Embrace your identity as a child of God, and let this relationship profit you peace, significance and eternal life.
So . . .
What is this faith, I cite, that operates to provide you with a relationship with "Abba" God? How can you and I have this relationship with our "Abba" I describe? Easy. I'll cite the words of the man who claimed He was God, on earth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." -Jesus Christ
Therefore . . .
If you don't know if you would go to heaven, I hope you chose Jesus Christ today, what He did to enable you to enter the Kingdom of God (click here for details). If you have accepted this gift, by faith alone in Christ alone, I hope you put down your hammer and nails, stop working to earn your way in; stop trying to be "Super Christian" or speak "Christianese" better than the other guy. Let me one more time quote him: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."